Town of Long Lake – Capital Projects and Reserve Funds (2012M-235)

Issued Date
February 08, 2013

Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to determine if the Town is accounting for capital projects properly for the period January 1, 2011, through July 31, 2012.

Background

The Town of Long Lake is located in Hamilton County and has a population of about 700. The Town is governed by an elected Town Board consisting of the Town Supervisor and four Board members. The Town’s adopted budget for 2012 is $4,012,006.

Key Findings

  • Town officials have not closed out a capital project for a dump closure with a remaining cash balance of $111,373.
  • Town officials did not receive approval from OSC for establishing capital project reserve funds and exceeded the Board-authorized amount when funding two reserves by a total of $101,445.

Key Recommendations

  • Properly close-out the completed capital project and transfer the remaining funds back to the appropriate operating fund.
  • Ensure that reserve funds are approved by OSC when the reserves are established. Monitor the balances in specific reserves, amend the maximum amounts if necessary, or transfer the excess amounts back to the corresponding operating funds.